Two sets of photos from a fast trip to Istanbul
 

Here are two sets of photos I have recently posted on Flickr from a very quick visit to Istanbul in September 2009. The first depicts the Blue Mosque and the Beyazidiye Mosque and the Sultans' Tombs outside the Haghia Sophia:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2768598...7631253385050/

The second depicts some of the lesser Byzantine monuments around the Sultanhamet district -- the 6th century church of SS. Sergius & Bacchus; the remains of the Bucoleon Palace and the Pharos lighthouse; the Hippodrome; and the Yerebatan Sarai cistern:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2768598...7631253299582/

I've previously posted two other sets depicting the Haghia Sophia and a lengthy section of the Byzantine land walls:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2768598...7622607098030/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2768598...7623146966167/

Some of your pics of basilica cistern are really nice. Do you remember the time (of the day) you went there? Most snaps that I have seen of this place are dark and gloomy.

Yes, quite clearly, because I slipped in minutes before the place closed, which was around 6:30 or 7 p.m. in late September. However, the time of day has no impact on the light conditions in the cistern; since it's all underground, there is only artificial light. A high ASA setting, a longer time exposure, and a steady tripod (or a steady hand or carefully braced camera) are the requisites to get good photos. The artificial light is reasonably strong, however -- there's no need for a flashlight or anything like that.

Byzantine Monuments are realy amazing, and you are a good photographer! Photos transmit the soul of ancient Turkey

Thank you. I love traveling in Turkey. This was a very short visit, but it was my fourth! There are just so many layers of history there, and each of them is fascinating.

beautiful pictures and beautiful Istanbul thanks for sharing

if you want to see the photo gallery of my trip to Istanbul click on the link below

http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcodi...7631902215783/

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